With IAF Set To Receive Its First Rafale Today, Here Are Five Spectacular Videos Of The Fighter Jet

Today (8 October) is a landmark day in the history of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Not only is it celebrating its 87th foundation day, it will also take delivery of the deadliest aircraft ever to join its arsenal - the Rafale.

Today Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accompanied by IAF Chief R K S Badauria would receive India’s first Rafale in a ceremony organised by Dassault. Following this delivery, Singh would fly a sortie in the aircraft and also perform a Shashtra Puja in Paris.

India would eventually get a delivery of 36 Rafale jets - two squadrons of 18 aircraft each.

Today’s ceremony would take place at 5.30 PM India time and as a build up to it, lets take a look at five intense videos which capture the essence and capability of the soon to be Indian fighter jet.

The first video creates a spectacular montage of the fighter jet, all the way from its hangar to the skies. The video also captures the pilot reactions while manoeuvring the jet beyond the clouds.

The second video is the official presentation of the fighter aircraft by the French Air Force.

It includes footage of the aircraft’s various components like the ground crew, flight controllers and the pilots coming together to simulate combat scenarios. The video also showcases the aircraft indulging in missile target practice and its crew participating in a scramble drill.

This video showcases the agility of the aircraft as its pilot puts itself through various skillfull manoeuvres including a barrel roll, a hammerhead and free fall. The video also captures the aircraft’s mid-air refuelling procedure.

This is one of the most comprehensive recordings of the fighter jet during a demonstration at the 2016 Airpower air show in Zeltweg, Austria.

The almost 10 minute long video encompasses virtually every acrobatic manoeuvre possible. Throughout the course of the video one can hear the roar of the twin Snecma M88 engines.

The final clip is from our very own Aero India air show in Bengaluru. This clip captures the Rafale’s performance during the 2016 edition as various aviation enthusiasts look towards the skies.

Rafale was also a star attraction at the 2018 edition and besides the flying performance, Dassault had also kept an aircraft on display in the exhibition area for visitors to get a closer look.